About Us

About Us

Our Story

Matrixx Initiatives, Inc. is the maker of the Zicam® family of products, including Zicam® Cold Remedy, the #1 cold shortening product in the USA. Unlike products that only provide symptom relief, Zicam® Cold Remedy is designed to be used at the "Pre-Cold®" stage – the first sniffle, sneeze, throat tickle or cough that signals the beginning of a full-blown cold. When taken at the first sign of a cold, Zicam® Cold Remedy shortens the duration of a cold.

Our Mission

Matrixx Initiatives has been engaged in the development and marketing of better ways to feel better through over the counter innovative self-healthcare products.

Our History

Zicam was invented in the mid-1990s. The name Zicam comes from a combination of the words "zinc" and "ICAM-1." Zinc is an essential mineral that has been found to be effective in shortening colds and relieving cold symptoms.1 ICAM-1 is the receptor that the most common cold virus, rhinovirus, binds to in the nose and throat to cause colds.

The very first Zicam® product, the original Cold Remedy Nasal Gel™, was launched in 1999. The release of this first homeopathic, zinc-based cold shortening remedy was quickly followed by the release of a homeopathic Allergy Relief nasal gel in 2000 and the introduction of Extreme Congestion Relief and Intense Sinus Relief in 2002 to help relieve cold symptoms. 2002 also marked the introduction of Matrixx’s patented nasal swab delivery format and our Nasal Cold Remedy Swab quickly became our number 1 sku. In 2004, we introduced three new oral Zicam® Cold Remedy products — the most popular of which is our RapidMelts® which dissolve rapidly on your tongue without water. Ten years later, Zicam® Cold Remedy RapidMelts® are still the most popular form of cold-shortening products available on the market.

The growth of the Zicam® brand has not been without its challenges. In 2009, Matrixx received a warning letter from the FDA regarding our Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Gel™ Spray and Nasal Swab products. The warning letter cited reports of some consumers losing their sense of smell (anosmia). A clinical link between the Zicam® products and anosmia was not established. Out of an abundance of caution, the company voluntarily recalled the items and ceased future shipments. To date, efforts to demonstrate such a link have repeatedly failed, and Matrixx has prevailed in every matter decided by the courts.

Over the years, our passion for providing people with “better ways to feel better” has driven us to create new products and continually improve our existing products. We added Zicam® Cold Remedy Liqui-Loz™ lozenges to our portfolio of cold shortening homeopathic remedies in 2009. In 2011, we introduced Zicam® Cold Remedy Ultra RapidMelts® which allow for more convenient dosing.. Just a year later, we launched Zicam® Cold Remedy Ultra Crystals and Lozenges to give people even more choices for on-the-go Pre-Cold® solution.

In 2014, we were proud to introduce a new, zinc-free homeopathic Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Spray the only nasal spray on the market that is clinically proven to shorten the length of a cold when used at the first sign. It also reduces the severity of the cold by the midpoint of the cold when taken at the first sign. We also launched our first cold relief softchew product just for kids -- Zicam® Cold Remedy Kids.

Based on the success of our Cold Remedy Nasal Spray, we launched the same formula in a swab version in 2015. Zicam® Cold Remedy Nasal Swabs are the only cold shortening nasal swabs clinically proven to shorten a cold when taken at the first sign. The homeopathic, plant-based formula also helps to relieve nasal congestion. Nasal swabs, a truly unique delivery form, have high consumer appeal and provide another great option for consumers who favor treating ‘in the nose’. We have also extended the innovative swab form to our homeopathic Allergy line, launching Zicam® Gentle Allergy Relief Nasal Swabs with Cooling Menthol.

In 2015, Matrixx, Inc. expanded its role as a wellness solution and launched the Zicam Total Immune brand with two highly appealing consumer benefit bundles: Immune Support + Digestive Health Crystals and Immune + Performance Support Melts. These two dietary supplements provide immune support to fit consumers’ active lifestyles.

Our Vision for the Future

Looking forward, we will continue to focus on innovation and self-healthcare products that provide a better consumer experience on the pathway to feeling better. Whether it’s better taste, convenience or yet-to-be-discovered formulations, we are always focusing our resources on research and new product development across the full range of self-healthcare upper respiratory needs.

At Matrixx, Inc. we adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety in the development and manufacturing of our products.

The company has offices in Bridgewater, NJ and Scottsdale, AZ. You can always reach out to us by going to our “contact us” tab or by calling 1-877-942-2626. We encourage your feedback as we continue to improve our products and to identify new and better ways to meet your self-healthcare needs.